Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hao Zheng, Qiulin Wei, Xiao Han, Xinmiao Yu, Yao Li, Jinghui Zhou
Summary: This study successfully obtained structured lignin-based CNFs with excellent electrochemical properties by preparing lignin-based precursor fibers with nanofiber structures and employing layer-by-layer assembly technology. These CNFs exhibited high specific surface area and effective contact area, promoting ion diffusion and transport, and improving the electrical interaction and chemical reactions.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fabricio A. dos Santos, Nirton C. S. Vieira, Naiara A. Zambianco, Bruno C. Janegitz, Valtencir Zucolotto
Summary: In this study, graphene oxide was reduced in two different ways to produce oppositely charged reduced graphene oxide sheets. By utilizing a layer-by-layer assembly technique, multilayers with different conductivities were successfully fabricated. Moreover, by introducing a biological recognition element, the devices were capable of detecting specific proteins at low concentrations.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
A. Portone, L. Bellucci, D. Convertino, F. Mezzadri, G. Piccinini, M. A. Giambra, V. Miseikis, F. Rossi, C. Coletti, F. Fabbri
Summary: By employing single crystalline graphene to modify the sulfurization dynamics of copper foil, large-area Cu9S5 crystals could be deterministically synthesized, enabling the epitaxial growth of layered materials with different crystalline symmetries and the synthesis of heterostructures with a large lattice constant mismatch.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sung-Wook Kim, Jongha Hwang, Seong-Ji Ha, Jae-Eun Lee, Jong-Chul Yoon, Ji-Hyun Jang
Summary: A simple and scalable fabrication method of MoS2/NGF micro-supercapacitors was developed, showing superior performance in terms of high volumetric capacitance and energy density, suitable for wearable electronic applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tiezhu Guo, Maosen Fu, Di Zhou, Lixia Pang, Jinzhan Su, Huixing Lin, Xiaogang Yao, Antonio Sergio Bezerra Sombra
Summary: The study focuses on the application of the new 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene material in the field of supercapacitors, achieving improved electrochemical performance through the synthesis of a flexible self-supporting Ti3C2Tx/graphene composite membrane, which allows for higher electron transfer and faster electrolyte ion transport, resulting in a higher energy density.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marie Colin, Sam Chen, Hani Farhat, Katia Guerin, Marc Dubois
Summary: This study demonstrates that fluorination of graphene oxide films under mild conditions can result in highly fluorinated graphene oxide films with maintained structure and mechanical strength. The fluorinated films exhibit unique electrochemical properties in lithium batteries and can potentially be used as hydrophobic lubricant membranes.
Review
Polymer Science
Miryam Criado-Gonzalez, Carmen Mijangos, Rebeca Hernandez
Summary: The layer-by-layer assembly of natural polymers is an effective bottom-up technique with multiple advantages, making it useful for building advanced multilayer polymer structures in various fields such as biomedicine, energy, and optics.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Artemii S. Ivanov, Lyubov Pershina, Konstantin G. Nikolaev, Ekaterina Skorb
Summary: Polyelectrolytes play a crucial role in the development of new materials, allowing for the creation of new properties of materials and surfaces. They are utilized in layer-by-layer deposition, free-standing films, and hydrogels, with applications in giving surfaces new properties, designing membranes and sensors, and showcasing applicability in electrical and materials science. Exciting new technologies have been developed with polyelectrolytes over the last five years.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ivan C. C. Assuncao, Susana Serio, Quirina Ferreira, Nykola C. Jones, Soren V. Hoffmann, Paulo A. Ribeiro, Maria Raposo
Summary: Characterization of layer-by-layer films of poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and graphene oxide (GO) revealed an increase in absorbance with the number of deposited bilayers, identifying the adsorption of GO per unit area of each bilayer. The films were found to be composed of GO and/or PAH/GO fibers, with GO completely adsorbed on top of PAH, exhibiting semiconductor behavior. Electrical properties indicated a slight decrease in conduction in the presence of visible light, possibly due to oxygen and moisture-induced damage to GO molecules.
Article
Polymer Science
Takaya Ikami, Yuki Watanabe, Hiroki Ogawa, Mikihito Takenaka, Norifumi L. Yamada, Makoto Ouchi, Hiroyuki Aoki, Takaya Terashima
Summary: By controlling the composition of the copolymers with octadecyl groups and hydroxyethyl groups in solution, ordered lamellar structures can be formed in the solid state, while spin-coating the polymer solutions onto silicon substrates allows the copolymers to autonomously form multilayered lamellar thin films.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Peng Li, Muan Yu, Kang Gao, Kuo Chen, Xiujie Yang, Haixiang Sun, Yingfei Hou, Q. Jason Niu
Summary: The polyethyleneimine (PEI)/graphene oxide (GO) film prepared by ultrasonic atomization-assisted technology shows excellent hydrogen barrier properties and saves time and waste liquid compared to traditional methods. The optimal conditions for film preparation were found to be a GO concentration of 0.9 mg ml-1, a spray time of 8 s for PEI and 20 s for GO, a pH of 10 for PEI and 4 for GO, and 25 layers of assembled film. The hydrogen transmission rate of the PEI/GO composite film was significantly lower, by 92.38%, than that of the PET substrate film.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Peng Li, Congcong Miao, Kang Gao, Hongxue Xie, Kuo Chen, Tengteng Xie, Shengchao Zhao, Haixiang Sun, Xiujie Yang, Yingfei Hou, Q. Jason Niu
Summary: Graphene oxide (GO) can be self-assembled with various polymer materials layer by layer to prepare composite materials with excellent barrier properties. However, the process is cumbersome and time-consuming. In this article, GO/polyethyleneimine(PEI) hydrogen barrier films were successfully prepared by ultrasonic-assisted layer-by-layer self-assembly technology. Results show that the ultrasonic-assisted method not only reduced the immersion time from several minutes to 10 s, but also increased the density of the material packing to reduce the channels through which hydrogen molecules can diffuse while improving the horizontal orientation of the GO sheet to prolong the diffusion paths of gas molecules. Finally, the hydrogen transmission rate of 20-bilayer films assembled under ultrasonic conditions is equivalent to that of 30-bilayer films assembled without ultrasonic conditions, which greatly shortens the film-making period. Therefore, the ultrasonic-assisted method has a good prospect in the preparation of gas barrier films.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Junyeong Yun, Ian Echols, Paraskevi Flouda, Yijun Chen, Shaoyang Wang, Xiaofei Zhao, Dustin Holta, Miladin Radovic, Micah J. Green, Mohammad Naraghi, Jodie L. Lutkenhaus
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique to create wire-shaped supercapacitors (WSCs) with enhanced capacitance, energy density, and power density. The WSCs consist of alternating layers of positively charged reduced graphene oxide functionalized with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and negatively charged Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets conformally deposited on activated carbon yarns. The LbL coatings on carbon yarns show promise as linear energy storage devices for fibrous electronics.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shouwei Zhang, Fan Xia, Sophie Demoustier-Champagne, Alain M. Jonas
Summary: Layer-by-layer assembly is a versatile technology for constructing multifunctional nanomaterials with fine control over thickness and structure, suitable for various applications in nanochannels with different growth mechanisms. It shows potential for numerous applications in fields such as nanoreactors, drug delivery, and fluidic devices.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chen Ye, Yangguang Zhu, Hongyan Sun, Feiyue Chen, Huifang Sun, Wen Dai, Qiuping Wei, Li Fu, Aimin Yu, Shiyu Du, Minghui Yang, Liang-Feng Huang, Jinhong Yu, Nan Jiang, Cheng-Te Lin
Summary: Graphene nanosheets are widely used in anti-corrosion polymeric coating as filler due to their excellent electrochemical inertness and barrier property. However, the difficulty in forming a perfect layered structure leads to the need for micron-scale thickness in polymeric coatings with graphene nanosheets. In this study, layer-by-layer stacked graphene nanocoatings were fabricated on stainless steel using a self-assembly method based on the Marangoni effect. The anti-corrosion properties of the graphene coatings were evaluated, with the optimized three-layered graphene-coated sample showing significantly lower self-corrosion current density compared to bare stainless steel.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Isabel M. Bjorge, Barbara M. de Sousa, Sonia G. Patricio, Ana Sofia Silva, Liebert P. Nogueira, Lucia F. Santos, Sandra Vieira, Havard J. Haugen, Clara R. Correia, Joao F. Mano
Summary: A modular and hierarchical tissue-engineering strategy is proposed to fabricate vascularized large-scale constructs. The strategy promotes prevascularization and autonomously enhances osteogenesis and construct's mineralization.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tania Peixoto, Daniel Silva, Miguel Rodrigues, Miguel Neto, Rui Silva, Maria C. Paiva, Liliana Grenho, Maria Helena Fernandes, Maria A. Lopes
Summary: This study investigates the surface functionalization of polymeric braids to improve their application in tendon repair. By incorporating amine groups, the researchers successfully enhance the interaction between cells and the material, potentially improving the biointegration of the braids. The NH3 plasma approach is considered more environmentally friendly, faster, and easier to scale-up.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Catharina Husteden, Yazmin A. Brito Barrera, Sophia Tegtmeyer, Joao Borges, Julia Giselbrecht, Matthias Menzel, Andreas Langner, Joao F. Mano, Christian E. H. Schmelzer, Christian Woelk, Thomas Groth
Summary: This article presents a gene-activated surface coating strategy for designing smart biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. The thin-film coating is made of polyelectrolyte multilayers composed of collagen I and chondroitin sulfate, and further functionalized with DNA/lipid-nanoparticles. The successful formation of the thin-film, fibrillar structuring of collagen, and homogeneous embedding of lipoplexes is demonstrated. Culturing mesenchymal stem cells on the functionalized multilayer shows excellent attachment, growth, and uptake of cargo like fluorescence-labelled DNA from lipoplexes. Furthermore, the functionalization of the multilayer induces osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David Seixas Esteves, Nelson Duraes, Ruben Pedroso, Amanda Melo, Maria C. Paiva, Elsa W. Sequeiros
Summary: Soft robotics requires low-cost, flexible sensors that can be integrated into the fabrication process. This study proposes a flexible sensor fabrication process using a magnetic nanocomposite. The process allows the development of sensors for soft robotics and enables the monitoring of large areas at a low cost. The fabricated sensors have reduced electrical resistivity and can detect touch and deformation.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mario C. Fonseca, Ana Catarina Vale, Rui R. Costa, Rui L. Reis, Natalia M. Alves
Summary: Inspired by mussel bioadhesion, researchers developed adhesive membranes using catechol-modified polysaccharides and a simple compaction method. These membranes exhibited strong adhesive properties and could also incorporate bioactive glass nanoparticles to stimulate mineralization, making them potentially suitable for hard tissue regeneration.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Joao Rocha Maia, Rita Sobreiro-Almeida, Franck Cleymand, Joao F. Mano
Summary: Three-dimensional printing has emerged as a promising method for biofabrication of tissue engineering constructs, aiming to create tissue/organ replacements for precision medicine. By using human-sourced biomaterials with optimal rheological properties, the best possible scaffolds can be created, enhancing clinical outcomes. This paper provides an overview of current efforts in achieving necessary ink properties for biofabrication and discusses crosslinking strategies. It also explores the state-of-the-art of using human-sourced inks and presents future perspectives on the field.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Ali Abbass, Maria C. Paiva, Daniel Oliveira, Paulo B. Lourenco, Raul Fangueiro
Summary: This study reports the use of a new nanocomposite-based coating containing graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and waterborne polyurethane (WPU) to enhance the mechanical properties and environmental resistance of flax and hemp fibers.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Magda Silva, Isabel Pinho, Hugo Goncalves, Ana C. Vale, Maria C. Paiva, Natalia M. Alves, Jose A. Covas
Summary: This study proposes novel biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds that match the mechanical characteristics of the native human ligament. The scaffolds showed high porosity, pore interconnectivity, and suitable pore size for ligament tissue ingrowth. The tailorable design and simplicity of manufacturing make these scaffolds suitable for ligament tissue engineering.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Maria P. P. Sousa, Catarina T. T. Passos, Marian Fuersatz, Haeshin Lee, Sonia G. Patricio, Joao F. Mano, Sylvia Nuernberger
Summary: Articular cartilage injuries are a major health concern due to their limited self-renewal capacity, leading to increased economic burden in the healthcare system. The development of cell implantation strategies using a suitable delivery platform holds promise for increasing cell retention and providing sufficient cells for cartilage repair. This study reports the development of anisotropically patterned mussel-inspired membranes with nanotopography and catechol molecular cues for efficient cell delivery. The membranes demonstrate successful cell migration and retention on cartilage surfaces, making them a promising strategy for cell-based therapies.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
David Seixas Esteves, Manuel F. C. Pereira, Ana Ribeiro, Nelson Duraes, Maria C. C. Paiva, Elsa W. W. Sequeiros
Summary: The study aimed to prepare composites based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and magnetite particles to investigate the effects of magnetic fields on the electrical resistance of the electrodes. The results showed that MWCNTs were responsible for the electrical conductivity of the composites, and combining magnetite particles with MWCNTs reduced the electrical resistance. Magnetic patterning is a versatile and low-cost approach to manufacturing sensors for soft robotics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Magda Silva, Susana Gomes, Catia Correia, Daniela Peixoto, Adriana Vinhas, Marcia T. Rodrigues, Manuela E. Gomes, Jose A. Covas, Maria C. Paiva, Natalia M. Alves
Summary: This study investigated the use of biocompatible and biodegradable 3D-printed scaffolds to assist tendon and ligament regeneration. The scaffolds, reinforced with functionalized graphite nanoplatelets decorated with silver nanoparticles, exhibited antibacterial properties and were shown to be suitable for regeneration. The scaffolds also maintained the expression of tendon/ligament-related markers. These findings demonstrate the potential application of these nanocomposite scaffolds for tendon and ligament regeneration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Magalhaes, Beatriz Arouca Maia, Maria Helena Braga, Raquel M. M. Santos, Nuno Correia, Eunice Cunha
Summary: In order to effectively use lithium metal anodes, membranes with high lithium conductivity and stability are needed. Composite gel polymer electrolytes (CGPE) have shown promise in terms of improved ionic conductivity and structural performance compared to polymer electrolytes. This study developed a simple and scalable approach to fabricate a crosslinked polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based membrane, which incorporated a solvated ionic liquid to enhance ionic conductivity and reduce flammability. The composite membrane demonstrated favorable performance in symmetric Li cells and electrochemical stability in cycling experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Helena Rocha, Paulo Antunes, Ugo Lafont, Joao P. Nunes
Summary: A process and Structural Health Monitoring system was implemented on a Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel (COPV) for hydrogen storage at 350 bar. The study reports the effectiveness of embedding optical fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for monitoring the full life cycle of the vessel, including drop-weight impact tests and pressure cycling. The FBG sensing array showed high accuracy in detecting and locating damage, and exhibited a linear response to applied pressure.
STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Daniela Patricio, Joana Santiago, Joao F. Mano, Margarida Fardilha
Summary: This article provides an overview of organoid technology and its applications in healthcare and research, with a focus on male reproductive system organoids and other biomaterials. The article also discusses current applications and highlights the research gaps, challenges, and opportunities in the field.
WIRES MECHANISMS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Izabela Stupka, Artur P. Biela, Bernard Piette, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Karolina Majsterkiewicz, Kinga Borzecka-Solarz, Antonina Naskalska, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Artificial protein cages, such as TRAP-cages, have potential applications in vaccines and drug delivery. TRAP-cages have the ability to control the disassembly conditions by modifying the interface between their building blocks. By using TRAP rings with different numbers of monomers, it is possible to predict the formation of other cages.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guo Zhang, Yu Wang, Hua Qiu, Lei Lu
Summary: This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles by combining antimicrobial peptides with ellagic acid, offering enlarged surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo studies indicate their potential for tissue repair and immune barrier reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiamei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Cheng Xu, Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiao Yang, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan
Summary: Pluronic F127 modified silk fibroin film with different types of antibacterial agents could accelerate wound recovery by promoting fibroblast adhesion, eradicating bacteria, and facilitating angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yinsheng Liu, Mingyue Wang, Yinfei Hui, Lei Sun, Yanrui Hao, Henlong Ren, Hao Guo, Wu Yang
Summary: In this study, a rare-earth hybrid luminescent material was developed for the detection of a biomarker for anthrax. The material showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing for the determination of the biomarker in saliva and urine. Additionally, a convenient point-of-care testing method using fluorescent test paper and a smartphone was established for the initial diagnosis of anthrax.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenshuai Yang, Jingsi Chen, Ziqian Zhao, Meng Wu, Lu Gong, Yimei Sun, Charley Huang, Bin Yan, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with shear-thinning and/or in situ formation properties offer distinct advantages in bioengineering applications, as they can be directly delivered to target sites, possess self-healing abilities, and simplify the implantation process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
